Deadline’s The Contenders Gallery: Pics of filmmakers and talent who attended the event

Deadline Hollywood’s 4th annual The Contenders event drew a sold-out crowd to the DGA Theater in West Hollywood on Saturday, November 1. Twelve studios were part of the program, which included panel discussions with filmmakers and talent from two dozen films. Jennifer Aniston—with her Cake director Daniel Barnz in tow—was a surprise last-minute addition, much to the delight of those in the audience, which included members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, the SAG Nomination Committee, PGA, DGA and other guilds. Deadline’s Pete Hammond, Mike Fleming Jr. and Dominic Patten moderated conversations with everyone from Foxcatcher director Bennett Miller to How to Train Your Dragon 2 director Dean DeBlois to Boyhood stars Patricia Arquette and Ellar Coltrane. Presentations also included never-before-seen footage, trailers, clips and behind-the-scenes featurettes on some of the key films in the awards season conversation. The event, which was sponsored by Dell, Final Draft, Screen Engine, Terry Hines & Associates, Paradigm and Keurig, was such a success that guests already were asking about next year’s plans.